The final touches to the promenade along Bandra Reclamation are in progress and the seaside walkway is expected to be thrown open by March
Mumbaikars will soon be able to take walks on the promenade along Bandra Reclamation, as the work of making the final touches is in progress. Once it is thrown open, the promenade along the road going towards the sea link, could become the new favourite destination of tourists.
Morning walkers, joggers and tourists will soon be able to use the promenade, which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 5 crore. Pics/Suresh KK
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Official speak
Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) vice-chairman and managing director, RL Mopalwar said, "The construction of Bandra Reclamation promenade will be complete in the coming months, after which Mumbaikars and tourists will be able to use it for morning and evening walks."
Bandra Reclamation is one of the favourite destinations of Mumbaikars, who often go here to see the sunset near the sea link. While some go with their families, the spot is also a popular haunt for couples. However, visitors cannot wait too long, as stopping vehicles on the road is not allowed. Some choose to instead stand along the road, as there is no access to the under-construction promenade.
During weekends, the visitors increase, which becomes a headache for the traffic police and local cops, because there are chances of accidents, as vehicles move towards the sea link at high speed. Once the promenade is completely opened to the public, morning walkers, joggers and tourists will be able to safely visit it.
"It is true that the project has been delayed, but we have fined the contractor for the same. Now the work of the promenade is in the final stages. We are confident that people will be able to use the promenade by March-April," said a senior MSRDC official, adding, "The issue of safety has always been our priority, and the contractor will deploy private security guards at the spot. There will also be proper lighting in place, so that people can roam there after sunset."
The project
MSRDC had awarded the contract for developing a state-of-the-art promenade to a leading developer in December 2010. His job was to develop and maintain the 1.25-km promenade for 15 years.
As per the agreement, the MSRDC will get Rs 99 lakh annually from the contractor and, in return, he will be able to generate revenue by selling advertising rights for 62 plaques at the promenade.
MSRDC, in the month of February 2013, had told mid-day that the project would be completed by April 2013, but that did not happen, after which the contractor was fined Rs 36 lakh.
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